BILL NUMBER: S7359 Revised 04/11/25
SPONSOR: MAY
 
TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the agriculture and markets law, in relation to estab-
lishing a New York native plants designation within the New York state
grown and certified program
 
PURPOSE:
To support the cultivation and sale of native plants in New York State
by creating a dedicated certification designation under the existing New
York Grown and Certified program.
 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:
*Establishes a "native plants" designation under the New York Grown and
Certified program.
*Directs the Department of Agriculture and Markets to create guidelines
and standards for native plant inclusion within the Grown and Certified
program.
*Authorizes nurseries, plant farms, and vendors to apply for use of the
New York Grown and Certified seal on eligible native plants.
*Requires educational and promotional outreach through relevant
networks, including Cornell Cooperative Extension.
*Takes effect 120 days after becoming law.
 
JUSTIFICATION:
Native plants are essential to New York's ecosystems. They provide food
and habitat for pollinators, birds, and other wildlife, while also
improving soil health, managing stormwater, and supporting climate resi-
lience. But despite their ecological value, native plants are underrep-
resented in the nursery trade and underutilized in home, municipal, and
commercial landscapes.
This legislation creates a path to recognize and promote native plants
through the existing New York Grown and Certified program. It will help
growers, vendors, and consumers identify plants that are ecologically
appropriate to New York's regions and grown here in-state. A trusted
certification designation will increase visibility and demand for native
plants, while giving consumers the confidence that what they are buying
truly supports local ecosystems.
As climate conditions shift and biodiversity loss continues, it is more
important than ever to support plant choices that sustain New York's
natural heritage. This bill helps align agricultural opportunity with
ecological stewardship.
 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New bill.
 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None.
 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This act shall take effect on the one hundred twentieth day after it
shall have become a law.

Statutes affected:
S7359: 16 agriculture and markets law